The double coupon days at my local supermarket have been a Wednesday staple for about three years now. When it was first launched I thought the store would be packed, the lines long…but I was wrong. That might have been three years ago and before the economic slump, but the lines aren’t what you’d expect to see with so many of us watching our pennies. Why do people miss the opportunity to save money? I think it comes down to our shopping style. Therefore knowing what sort of shopper you are and changing bad habits can turn anyone into a budget consumer.
Psychology 101
You probably don’t need me to tell you that supermarkets go to lots of trouble, and not to mention money, to try and analyze our shopping habits. They arrange their store and placement of goods to try and make us fill our shopping carts to the brim. So are we all completely helpless each time we walk through the doors? Not if we use a little psychology ourselves. How many times have you run into the store to get a carton of milk or a loaf of bread, and ended up with a cart load of cookies, chips or perhaps a ready-made dessert that just looked so good.
Have you wondered why the milk and bakery items are placed at the back of the store? Yep, so you have to walk by all the temptations to get to the dairy section. Switch your habits and you can avoid the temptation. One way is to always plan ahead so you never run out of these items. Second habit to change, don’t always think supermarket when you need staples like bread and milk. Walgreen’s and CVS Pharmacy sell these types of things. (As long as you’re not tempted to buy loads of cosmetics while you’re there, you can be in and out of the store with your budget intact).
End Caps
Yes, some of the end cap items are bargains, like the ten cans of vegetables for $3, but most of the time they’re not any cheaper than other items in the store. We just assume they are because the supermarket has gone to the trouble to place them there. Don’t automatically be the type of shopper who loads the cart with end cap ‘bargains’. Check before you buy.
Be Flexible
I used to shop at the end of the week, but when the supermarket offered double coupons on Wednesdays that became my shopping day. And why did they pick Wednesday? I’m guessing it’s the slowest day for them, and they’re trying to reel in more customers. Another shopping habit to change; be flexible about when you shop.
Are You Loyal?
I must admit if a store offers me both good prices and services I stay loyal to them. However, that habit can sometimes cost you money. If another store starts offering bigger discounts or say a reward card, don’t feel bad about being disloyal.
Don’t Be a Coupon Snob
Although the number of people I’ve seen shopping with coupons in hand has increased this last year, coupon users where I shop are still not at levels I’d expect to see. I say this all the time, if you’re one of those people who think they’re not worth it, that people might think you’re in dire straits for using them, change that attitude and see how much you can actually save.
Don’t Leave Home Without Your Plan
Are you a shopper who goes to the store without a list? Shopping from impulse or memory is a sure way to overspend. I’ve done it a few times when I’ve accidently left my list on the kitchen countertop and each time I’ve spend on anywhere between $20-30 than I usually do.
Keep a Price Book
Okay, this might sound a little obsessive, but everyone I know who keeps a log of how much they pay for frequently purchased items, usually are the folks who end up saving the most. If you shop at several stores you’ll be able to compare prices and see who’s offering you the best deal. It’s also gives you prior warning when prices are climbing again.
Become a Researcher
When you’re planning to buy a big ticket item do you just head to the store and wait for the sales person to tell you about the features? Become a researcher, check out different brands, prices, warranties and you’ll be better equipped to haggle and deal when it comes time to make your purchase.
Don’t Always Be A Buyer
Are you thinking about a DIY job around the house? Do you need a sander, a drill and rush out to buy one only to use once and now it’s sitting in the garage collecting dust? Become a renter or even a borrower and save some money and storage space.
Don’t Try and Keep Up with The Joneses
Here’s one thing you’ll always find on the list of traits of millionaires…they never rush out to buy new technology. Think about computers, DVD players and yes, even high definition televisions. If you purchased them when they first hit the marketplace, you probably can kick yourself for not waiting. Learn to be patient and wait for more brands hit the stores and you’ll net yourself a bargain.
Think About When You Buy and Think Ahead
Looking for a new lawn mower, how about a grill for next summer? Now might be a good time to snag a deal. Next spring probably won’t be. The same goes for some home improvements like heating and air conditioning, plan the project off season or when a company’s business is slower and you’ll save some money.
